madras hedgehog for 25 January 2026

Madras Hedgehog Latest News

For the first time, the Tamil Nadu forest department has begun a study on the rare mammal species Madras Hedgehog at the Theri forests in the district. 

About Madras Hedgehog

• Madras Hedgehog, locally known as Mulleli is a tiny mammal.
• It is also known as the bare-bellied hedgehog, discovered in 1851.
• It has sharp spines on its back and soft white fur on its belly.
• Its spines offer protection from predators such as foxes, jackals and mongooses.
• It is a nocturnal species curls into a ball to protect itself from danger.
• It has mastered survival in some of the harshest and driest landscapes.
• Habitat: The species prefers dry scrublands, thorn forests, grasslands and the edges of farmlands. 
• Distribution: It is found only in peninsular India, primarily across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and parts of Karnataka.
• Diet: It feeds on insects such as beetles, ants, earthworms and termites, apart from plants.
• Conservation Status: IUCN: Least Concern
• Threats: Its population declined largely due to hunting driven by mythical beliefs that its quills and meat have medicinal value.

Hedgehog Species in India

• Of the 17 species of hedgehog around the world, India is home to three:
  • Indian Long-eared or collared hedgehog
  • Indian hedgehog
  • Bare-bellied or Madras hegehog

Source: NIE